Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalms90:12
Today we would have started looking at Moses and his parents in the Hebrews Hall of Faith, but I'd like to take an excursus to the one psalm that Moses wrote.
In the Psalm Moses talks about the Lord being a dwelling place and a shelter. He talks about time:
- For God a thousand years is like a day and vice versa
- The length of human life is about 70 years.
And then he reminds us to number our days aright that we gain a heart of wisdom...
Today I will be conducting a funeral. Pierre was a member of our congregation for the last fifteen years and he and I were good friends. Pierre had 12 weeks from diagnosis until his passing. I saw him nearly every day in those 12 weeks and he faced his illness with significant faith and courage. He loved the Lord passionately and his faith gave him courage.
The faith that Moses expresses in this psalm is that while he recognises the brokenness and suffering that is part of our world, he formulates the powerful possibility that life can be lived well and that we can gain a heart of wisdom and that God can establish the work of our hands.
Last night I sat with Pierre's family and friends. We hooted with laughter at some of his antics and shed a few tears at his devotion and love. Pierre's race was short: He was only 57 but he loved and was loved. His life was full and, warts and all, he finished his race running straight into his Father's arms.
Help us Lord, to run the faith race well!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-09-09 [Faith and Hebrews11] Faith and the Future
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Hebrews11:20-22
The significant perspective on faith that emerges from our next three characters in the Faith Hall of Fame is that Isaac, Jacob and Joseph were able to trust God into a future that extended beyond themselves.
This is an important quality. As we grow older our tendency is to look back to the the "good old days" and when we look forward, we tend to be cynical and short-sighted.
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph were able to look beyond their own frailty and finitude and trust that God was able to work amazingly and significantly.
It's one thing to be optimistic about a future that we can participate in. It's another to be hopeful for a future where we are no longer able to be in control or play a role.
These three men had seen the ups and downs of life.
They'd seen famine, war and the best and worst of humanity.
Isaac was swindled by his own son.
Jacob was deceived by his sons who led him to believe Joseph was dead.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, by Potiphar's wife and his fellow prisoner who forgot about him.
But they believed in a future and they believed so strongly that they were bold enough to bless their children and Joseph even gave instructions about his bones.
This kind of faith extends beyond my circle of influence. It is rooted in the goodness and promises of God. It's a faith that recognises that He is the God of yesterday, today AND TOMORROW.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Hebrews11:20-22
The significant perspective on faith that emerges from our next three characters in the Faith Hall of Fame is that Isaac, Jacob and Joseph were able to trust God into a future that extended beyond themselves.
This is an important quality. As we grow older our tendency is to look back to the the "good old days" and when we look forward, we tend to be cynical and short-sighted.
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph were able to look beyond their own frailty and finitude and trust that God was able to work amazingly and significantly.
It's one thing to be optimistic about a future that we can participate in. It's another to be hopeful for a future where we are no longer able to be in control or play a role.
These three men had seen the ups and downs of life.
They'd seen famine, war and the best and worst of humanity.
Isaac was swindled by his own son.
Jacob was deceived by his sons who led him to believe Joseph was dead.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, by Potiphar's wife and his fellow prisoner who forgot about him.
But they believed in a future and they believed so strongly that they were bold enough to bless their children and Joseph even gave instructions about his bones.
This kind of faith extends beyond my circle of influence. It is rooted in the goodness and promises of God. It's a faith that recognises that He is the God of yesterday, today AND TOMORROW.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 5, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-09-05 [Faith and Hebrews11] Pilgrim Aliens and Tent Pegs
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews11:13-16
The Hebrews writer, in talking about Abraham's faith, takes this brief excursus to describe Abraham and those who follow in his footsteps...
They are described as pilgrims, as aliens and those who didn't hammer their tent-pegs in too deep.
People who live by faith:
- believe God's promises and reach for things that are still distant.
- have this hope even on their death-beds.
- realise that they don't belong here and don't try too hard to.
- realise that this world is not the be-all and end-all.
- strive for the ultimate instead of settling in mediocrity.
- don't hold on to earthly things too tightly.
- don't turn back to things that won't last.
These are folk who live in the confidence of God's heavenly kingdom that is already breaking through in our reality but will transcend it.
These are folk who look to a big and majestic God and have their hope and trust in Him. And their faith is not disappointed because the destination is clear: Paul puts it like this:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him --
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. (1Cor2:9-10)"
This doesn't mean that we are escapist pie-in-the-sky people, it means that we live in faith and trust doing our level best to make a difference as we pass through this life.
Sunday's Sabbath Rest and Worship are good opportunities to get a foretaste of the heavenly country. Don't miss out!
Have a blessed weekend!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
The Hebrews writer, in talking about Abraham's faith, takes this brief excursus to describe Abraham and those who follow in his footsteps...
They are described as pilgrims, as aliens and those who didn't hammer their tent-pegs in too deep.
People who live by faith:
- believe God's promises and reach for things that are still distant.
- have this hope even on their death-beds.
- realise that they don't belong here and don't try too hard to.
- realise that this world is not the be-all and end-all.
- strive for the ultimate instead of settling in mediocrity.
- don't hold on to earthly things too tightly.
- don't turn back to things that won't last.
These are folk who live in the confidence of God's heavenly kingdom that is already breaking through in our reality but will transcend it.
These are folk who look to a big and majestic God and have their hope and trust in Him. And their faith is not disappointed because the destination is clear: Paul puts it like this:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him --
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. (1Cor2:9-10)"
This doesn't mean that we are escapist pie-in-the-sky people, it means that we live in faith and trust doing our level best to make a difference as we pass through this life.
Sunday's Sabbath Rest and Worship are good opportunities to get a foretaste of the heavenly country. Don't miss out!
Have a blessed weekend!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 4, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-09-04 [Faith and Hebrews11] Stopover: Unclear. Destination: Certain!
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews11:8-10
Having faith is a mysterious journey!
Our destination is sure, but the stopovers are unclear.
The Hebrews Hall of Faith Fame spends a lot of time commending Abraham. There are three main points of commendation: (Our text reflects one of three points, the passages reflecting the other two points are at the bottom of this dev.)
1. Abraham was called to pack up everything and head into the unknown. Abraham lived a nomad's life because he was certain of his destination in God.
2. Abraham trusted that God would make him into a nation even though Sarah was barren and Abraham was too old to be a dad.
3. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed, believing that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order for the promise to be fulfilled.
In each case the rationale of Abraham's faith is clear: Although the _way_ is uncertain, the _destination_ is certain and sure.
Sometimes we spend too much time trying to figure out the route and the stopovers. Like Abraham we need to be more focussed on the destination: A God who loves us so much that He has given us His Son.
Romans 8:32 says: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Abraham had this clear!
--------------------------------------------------
HEB 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
HEB 11:17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Having faith is a mysterious journey!
Our destination is sure, but the stopovers are unclear.
The Hebrews Hall of Faith Fame spends a lot of time commending Abraham. There are three main points of commendation: (Our text reflects one of three points, the passages reflecting the other two points are at the bottom of this dev.)
1. Abraham was called to pack up everything and head into the unknown. Abraham lived a nomad's life because he was certain of his destination in God.
2. Abraham trusted that God would make him into a nation even though Sarah was barren and Abraham was too old to be a dad.
3. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed, believing that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order for the promise to be fulfilled.
In each case the rationale of Abraham's faith is clear: Although the _way_ is uncertain, the _destination_ is certain and sure.
Sometimes we spend too much time trying to figure out the route and the stopovers. Like Abraham we need to be more focussed on the destination: A God who loves us so much that He has given us His Son.
Romans 8:32 says: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Abraham had this clear!
--------------------------------------------------
HEB 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
HEB 11:17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-09-03 [Faith and Hebrews11] Noah's faith: Calling it like it is.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews11:7
It seems the recent movie portrayed Noah (and God) as vengeful and angry. The Bible doesn't tell us a lot about him, but the "Hebrews Hall of Fame" sees Noah differently.
It portrays Noah as one who was sensitive and open enough to see what was coming. It portrays him as building the ark "in holy fear" - a project that probably took years to complete. (The Greek word for "holy fear" suggests more reverence than primal raw fear.)
His faith was courageous. Imagine the dialogue:
"Hey Noah what are you doing?"
"Oh I'm building an ark for me and my family because God is going to flood the world because of all the wicked people."
"Are you saying I'm wicked?"
"Well..."
There are times that we have to call it like it is.
There are huge pressures to be politically correct and to swallow all sorts of unacceptable practices in the name of tolerance. Unfortunately we don't speak out about right and wrong any more.
While I realise that many of the yesteryear stone-throwers were not without sin, I wonder if our current culture of silence on critical moral issues doesn't simply indicate consent. It seems to me that the intellectual "vibe of tolerance" is just another emperor's garment that we try to clothe ourselves in.
This doesn't mean that we have to be abrasive and nasty. It doesn't give us permission to be holier-than-thou and judgemental. It is possible to hold a firm moral position in a gracious way.
Ryan Dobson, son of James Dobson, wrote a book entitled: "Be Intolerant: Because Some Things Are Just Stupid"
Noah called it for what it was because he esteemed God's ways higher than the current trends and fashions.
I think Ryan and Noah might become good friends in eternity...
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
It seems the recent movie portrayed Noah (and God) as vengeful and angry. The Bible doesn't tell us a lot about him, but the "Hebrews Hall of Fame" sees Noah differently.
It portrays Noah as one who was sensitive and open enough to see what was coming. It portrays him as building the ark "in holy fear" - a project that probably took years to complete. (The Greek word for "holy fear" suggests more reverence than primal raw fear.)
His faith was courageous. Imagine the dialogue:
"Hey Noah what are you doing?"
"Oh I'm building an ark for me and my family because God is going to flood the world because of all the wicked people."
"Are you saying I'm wicked?"
"Well..."
There are times that we have to call it like it is.
There are huge pressures to be politically correct and to swallow all sorts of unacceptable practices in the name of tolerance. Unfortunately we don't speak out about right and wrong any more.
While I realise that many of the yesteryear stone-throwers were not without sin, I wonder if our current culture of silence on critical moral issues doesn't simply indicate consent. It seems to me that the intellectual "vibe of tolerance" is just another emperor's garment that we try to clothe ourselves in.
This doesn't mean that we have to be abrasive and nasty. It doesn't give us permission to be holier-than-thou and judgemental. It is possible to hold a firm moral position in a gracious way.
Ryan Dobson, son of James Dobson, wrote a book entitled: "Be Intolerant: Because Some Things Are Just Stupid"
Noah called it for what it was because he esteemed God's ways higher than the current trends and fashions.
I think Ryan and Noah might become good friends in eternity...
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 29, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-08-29 [Faith and Hebrews11] Proof
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews11:6
This is the age-old struggle we have...
Why can't God simply give us irrevocable proof that He's alive and then we don't have to struggle with faith?
But what _is_ irrevocable truth?
- Isn't the size and majesty of the universe enough?
- Or what about the amazing capacity to love and be loved that exists in my soul?
- What about the legacy of faith that has continued over 2000 years in spite of the persecutions of the church (not to mention its own failures)?
In some ways there is an abundance of proof for those who would see it...
Furthermore... proof is one thing, trust is another: I may have absolute proof of someone's existence but to have friendship with them, I must still take a risk and open myself to them. As a student I knew Brenda existed. I could see her, hear her, and even throw her into the sea(!) but relationship only truly began when I took a risk and started trusting her and opening up to her.
With God it is the same:
The Israelites had some pretty convincing proofs of God's existence and power - I think walking through a sea that would later drown the Egyptian army would have me pretty convinced - but then they worshipped the golden calf - why? Because they had not reached a point of personal trust.
No matter how little proof (or how much) we have, knowing God is a _relationship_ and not an experiment or theorem. When we take the risk of seeking Him, we discover much much more than proof!
And this is why we gather for worship on Sundays - to celebrate the God who rewards those who seek Him.
Have an awesome weekend!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
This is the age-old struggle we have...
Why can't God simply give us irrevocable proof that He's alive and then we don't have to struggle with faith?
But what _is_ irrevocable truth?
- Isn't the size and majesty of the universe enough?
- Or what about the amazing capacity to love and be loved that exists in my soul?
- What about the legacy of faith that has continued over 2000 years in spite of the persecutions of the church (not to mention its own failures)?
In some ways there is an abundance of proof for those who would see it...
Furthermore... proof is one thing, trust is another: I may have absolute proof of someone's existence but to have friendship with them, I must still take a risk and open myself to them. As a student I knew Brenda existed. I could see her, hear her, and even throw her into the sea(!) but relationship only truly began when I took a risk and started trusting her and opening up to her.
With God it is the same:
The Israelites had some pretty convincing proofs of God's existence and power - I think walking through a sea that would later drown the Egyptian army would have me pretty convinced - but then they worshipped the golden calf - why? Because they had not reached a point of personal trust.
No matter how little proof (or how much) we have, knowing God is a _relationship_ and not an experiment or theorem. When we take the risk of seeking Him, we discover much much more than proof!
And this is why we gather for worship on Sundays - to celebrate the God who rewards those who seek Him.
Have an awesome weekend!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 28, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-08-28 [Faith and Hebrews11] A journey
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. Hebrews11:5
Enoch lived for 365 years before he was taken to be with God. What's interesting is that in Genesis we are told that he walked with God for 300 years, which means that he started his walk at 65.
But what happened when he was 65? Genesis tells us that when Enoch was 65 his son, Methuselah, was born!
I know for myself, becoming a Dad gave me all sorts of insights about God. As I wheeled my baby boy to the incubator room (it was a freezing July midnight) I knew that if someone tried to take him from me I would be willing to lay down my life. I also understood how hard it was for God to watch His Son suffer on the cross. I experienced love at a kind of ferocity that is almost indescribable.
The birth of his son awakened Enoch and lit a fire of faith and relationship that was part of his life for the long haul: Watching his son grow up, get married, have children. Experiencing growing old and going through the seasons of life.
It would seem that the intensity of the becoming-a-dad experience put Enoch in a place where an intense intimacy with God became the norm for his life forward.
What a lovely way to describe it: he "walked with God."
Faith is a journey. Recognising that we get to "do" life in the presence of an awesome God. For Enoch the benchmark of that relationship was the awesome moment of becoming a dad.
What are the awesome moments you have experienced in life?
What if these became benchmarks that explained, described and epitomised the relationship and walk that we can have with God?
Then faith is a journey!! May we "walk" well!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Enoch lived for 365 years before he was taken to be with God. What's interesting is that in Genesis we are told that he walked with God for 300 years, which means that he started his walk at 65.
But what happened when he was 65? Genesis tells us that when Enoch was 65 his son, Methuselah, was born!
I know for myself, becoming a Dad gave me all sorts of insights about God. As I wheeled my baby boy to the incubator room (it was a freezing July midnight) I knew that if someone tried to take him from me I would be willing to lay down my life. I also understood how hard it was for God to watch His Son suffer on the cross. I experienced love at a kind of ferocity that is almost indescribable.
The birth of his son awakened Enoch and lit a fire of faith and relationship that was part of his life for the long haul: Watching his son grow up, get married, have children. Experiencing growing old and going through the seasons of life.
It would seem that the intensity of the becoming-a-dad experience put Enoch in a place where an intense intimacy with God became the norm for his life forward.
What a lovely way to describe it: he "walked with God."
Faith is a journey. Recognising that we get to "do" life in the presence of an awesome God. For Enoch the benchmark of that relationship was the awesome moment of becoming a dad.
What are the awesome moments you have experienced in life?
What if these became benchmarks that explained, described and epitomised the relationship and walk that we can have with God?
Then faith is a journey!! May we "walk" well!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-08-27 [Random Musings] Active Faith
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews11:4
Abel brought his best - whereas Cain did not. One can only assume that they had the same family tradition, had grown up with the same rituals and the same spiritual teaching from their parents.
But Abel's faith prompted him to act differently.
Many of us have all sorts of doubts, but in moments of what I call "decisional clarity" we act and our actions themselves are moments of trust and faith.
There are times that I see the pain of the world around me and I struggle with the heartache and the sorrow. I struggle to understand where God fits into all of this and I feel inadequate to explain the why's and wherefore's.
But then the moment comes where I'm looking someone in the eye... And that eye may be clouded by sorrow, pain or heartache and I get to say those important words: "Let's pray." And in that moment I reach out in tangible trust to a God who can do what I cannot.
There are times where the challenges in my own life seem to overwhelm and drown me in their complexity and multiplicity. Again, the doubts and fears threaten to paralyse. But faith prompts me - "Just take the next step!"
Did Abel struggle with the thought that his parents had been in paradise, but that he couldn't have it? Did he struggle with the fact that he lived in a broken world because of their failure? Maybe he did. But by his actions he makes a statement of faith and by that choice to sacrifice he gains beautiful decisional clarity.
Sometimes the best way to grow our faith is to do what is in front of us.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Abel brought his best - whereas Cain did not. One can only assume that they had the same family tradition, had grown up with the same rituals and the same spiritual teaching from their parents.
But Abel's faith prompted him to act differently.
Many of us have all sorts of doubts, but in moments of what I call "decisional clarity" we act and our actions themselves are moments of trust and faith.
There are times that I see the pain of the world around me and I struggle with the heartache and the sorrow. I struggle to understand where God fits into all of this and I feel inadequate to explain the why's and wherefore's.
But then the moment comes where I'm looking someone in the eye... And that eye may be clouded by sorrow, pain or heartache and I get to say those important words: "Let's pray." And in that moment I reach out in tangible trust to a God who can do what I cannot.
There are times where the challenges in my own life seem to overwhelm and drown me in their complexity and multiplicity. Again, the doubts and fears threaten to paralyse. But faith prompts me - "Just take the next step!"
Did Abel struggle with the thought that his parents had been in paradise, but that he couldn't have it? Did he struggle with the fact that he lived in a broken world because of their failure? Maybe he did. But by his actions he makes a statement of faith and by that choice to sacrifice he gains beautiful decisional clarity.
Sometimes the best way to grow our faith is to do what is in front of us.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-08-26 [Random Musings] Ex nihilo
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews11:3
The Latin phrase "ex nihilo" means "out of nothing."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is talking about.
Human beings can _transform things: we take ore and make jewellery, we take clay and make pots, we cut down trees and make furniture. We can transform, but we can't create "ex nihilo".
Look around you. Look at the awesome beauty of creation, the abundance of variety and the vastness of space. The scientists tell us that the universe is still expanding. That's not transformation, that's creation.
I often hold my hand in front of my face and take my fingers through the various grips, gestures and movements that they are capable of. I think of touching my newborn son with these hands and thrusting these hands into the tarmac to protect my face when I took a fall off my bicycle. I think of the fingerprints on each finger and the way each finger helps me type this dev and I know that I am looking at a miracle.
I look at all the vastness and majesty in creation and I feel faith rise up in me. When I contemplate creation with open eyes and a ready heart, faith springs up in me.
All that I see around me wasn't transformed. It was not made out of what was visible. It takes too much faith to believe that this was all by accident. It's more obvious and explicable to believe in a Creator.
Creation is too big, too magnificent: I can't figure it out - I can't UNDERSTAND by myself. But by faith I look and by faith I see not only creatION but I see the CreatOR. And then I UNDERSTAND.
===============================
There's a joke around "ex nihilo" that goes like this:
The atheist scientists came to God and said "God we have figured out how to create life - we don't need you anymore."
God said: "Oh really? Show me how you create life."
And so the scientists said: "Well you take some dirt and ...."
And God said "Uh uh. Get your own dirt..."
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
The Latin phrase "ex nihilo" means "out of nothing."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is talking about.
Human beings can _transform things: we take ore and make jewellery, we take clay and make pots, we cut down trees and make furniture. We can transform, but we can't create "ex nihilo".
Look around you. Look at the awesome beauty of creation, the abundance of variety and the vastness of space. The scientists tell us that the universe is still expanding. That's not transformation, that's creation.
I often hold my hand in front of my face and take my fingers through the various grips, gestures and movements that they are capable of. I think of touching my newborn son with these hands and thrusting these hands into the tarmac to protect my face when I took a fall off my bicycle. I think of the fingerprints on each finger and the way each finger helps me type this dev and I know that I am looking at a miracle.
I look at all the vastness and majesty in creation and I feel faith rise up in me. When I contemplate creation with open eyes and a ready heart, faith springs up in me.
All that I see around me wasn't transformed. It was not made out of what was visible. It takes too much faith to believe that this was all by accident. It's more obvious and explicable to believe in a Creator.
Creation is too big, too magnificent: I can't figure it out - I can't UNDERSTAND by myself. But by faith I look and by faith I see not only creatION but I see the CreatOR. And then I UNDERSTAND.
===============================
There's a joke around "ex nihilo" that goes like this:
The atheist scientists came to God and said "God we have figured out how to create life - we don't need you anymore."
God said: "Oh really? Show me how you create life."
And so the scientists said: "Well you take some dirt and ...."
And God said "Uh uh. Get your own dirt..."
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 22, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-08-22 [Random Musings] Faith 2 - Commended
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews11:1-2
Having faith becomes harder and harder as we grow older. Faith comes easily to children who trust easily and fully but it seems that as time goes by faith is eroded by disappointments, unmet expectations and modern day scepticism.
In a modern day world where expedience, "scientific fact", self-centeredness and convenience are the order of the day, faith is often questioned, criticised and maligned.
But right at the outset of his excursus on faith the writer of Hebrews indicates that we can look at others who have stayed faithful and learn from their example. In devs that follow we'll look at the Abrahams, Josephs and other faithful saints.
For now I simply want to pause at the idea that our faith has a firm foundation in its historicity. We can look back at the ancients: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Augustine, Luther, Wesley, our grand-parents and parents.
In my own life I can look back to a grandfather who read the scriptures at the dining room table and faced crippling arthritis with courage and faith. I look to parents and a sibling who have lived out their faith with principle and with dedication. I have in-law parents and grandparents who have done the same. I've been blessed with friends who courageously remain faith-full.
In a world that is doubtful and sceptical and where modern day revisionism throws babies out with bathwater, I am grateful for the legacy of faith that I have been given.
Maybe you can prepare for Sunday by examining the legacy of faith in your own life. Give thanks to God for those in your life who have shown you the way.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Having faith becomes harder and harder as we grow older. Faith comes easily to children who trust easily and fully but it seems that as time goes by faith is eroded by disappointments, unmet expectations and modern day scepticism.
In a modern day world where expedience, "scientific fact", self-centeredness and convenience are the order of the day, faith is often questioned, criticised and maligned.
But right at the outset of his excursus on faith the writer of Hebrews indicates that we can look at others who have stayed faithful and learn from their example. In devs that follow we'll look at the Abrahams, Josephs and other faithful saints.
For now I simply want to pause at the idea that our faith has a firm foundation in its historicity. We can look back at the ancients: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Augustine, Luther, Wesley, our grand-parents and parents.
In my own life I can look back to a grandfather who read the scriptures at the dining room table and faced crippling arthritis with courage and faith. I look to parents and a sibling who have lived out their faith with principle and with dedication. I have in-law parents and grandparents who have done the same. I've been blessed with friends who courageously remain faith-full.
In a world that is doubtful and sceptical and where modern day revisionism throws babies out with bathwater, I am grateful for the legacy of faith that I have been given.
Maybe you can prepare for Sunday by examining the legacy of faith in your own life. Give thanks to God for those in your life who have shown you the way.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
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